Lessons Learned From the Disney 08 Marathon and Half Marathon

As promised we've compiled some of the lessons learned from all of the Rockstar Runners who participated in the Disney Marathon or Half Marathon.  Let's start with Tracy who completed her very first half marathon.

Tracy

1. Prepare yourself for the weather if you are coming from a different climate.  Bring everything you need for both hot and cold weather.

2. Try to not let even the sight of a more athletic runner get you down, as you too could become someone's else's hero on that run.

3. Just know that your emotions will become highly involved in an event like this.

4. Run at your own pace. You’ve trained hard.  You know what you can do.  You are not trying to run anybody else's race.

Now here are Erin and Krista who ran their second half marathon together and improved their time together!

Erin

If you want to feel good throughout the race I learned that it's really important to train for the pace you want to keep during the race.  I know it sounds obvious, but I did my long runs before the race at around a 10:50 to 11:00 minute/mile pace.  And I ran the 1/2 marathon at about a 10:15 average pace.  So by the end of the race I was spent.  I never quite got my second wind, which for me comes at around the 7 or 8 mile mark.  I knew I wanted to finish the race at around 2 hours and 15 minutes but I didn't train properly so that I would actually feel good throughout the race.  But the next lesson learned will explain what helped me attain my goal... feeling crummy but getting a PR=}!    

Find a partner if you can!  I ran two 1/2 marathon's with Glenn's sister Krista, and she was such a great encouragement and someone who had the same pace goal in mind.  So find someone who you can train with, and even do a long run with once in a while so you have that extra push.  For me, and a lot of people I know, running is really a battle in your mind that you have to overcome.  You are physically capable of running but your mind tells you - you can't possibly do that.  But if you have someone who can help you fight that battle when you're out on a run then you are well equipped to conquer any race! Eccl. 4:9-10 says "Two people can accomplish twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor..."

Krista

For me it was that incredible sleep the night before the night before the run!  And the hot tub most definitely helped with that!  I didn't feel that my training was up to par, yet I had the best run of my life, and kept feeling more and more energy bubbling up throughout the run - so weird!  But it was amazing to be running while feeling this incredible surge of energy!  Having a friend to run with is also great for me, as it distracts me from any aches and pains I might be feeling!  And Disney was great for keeping the course lined with spectators, performers, and music - all things that can really give you a boost if you're having a tough time, and add to your enjoyment of the event.

And now from Jeremy and I.  Jeremy was running his 3rd marathon and I was running my 5th.

Jeremy

1. Training pays off... if you don't train, don't push yourself.
2. DLF is better than DNF ("Dead Last Finish" vs. "Did Not Finish")
3. Spectating is not for me... I would much rather run!
4. Sweaty wet shoes make for a miserable run - need to figure out how to keep my feet dry.

Glenn

1. I've learned how to train well and getting out there even when it sucks is what counts because nice days are always easy to run on.
2. The added adrenaline of race day seems to speed me up substantially even when I'm not feeling great.
3. Passing people is very helpful for my motivation.  However, when I catch up to all the people running the same pace as I and can no longer pass anyone, I need to learn how to stay optimistic through that.

Comments

[Kati]

Thank you for such a wonderful website - I am constantly encouraged by everything posted! I have been especially encouraged by this post and the lessons learned from the Disney '08 Marathon and Half Marathon. Thanks so much!

[Billy]

Congrats to you all again! All of you have great advice and hit the nail right on the head.